Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
ISO Horizon

Welcome to "Producing Like Skrillex: Dissecting 'Bangarang' and Mastering EDM Techniques", a comprehensive course designed to teach you the secrets behind one of Skrillex's most iconic tracks, "Bangarang." Whether you're an aspiring EDM producer, an intermediate music creator, or simply a fan of electronic music, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to create professional-quality tracks inspired by Skrillex's signature sound.

Read more

Welcome to "Producing Like Skrillex: Dissecting 'Bangarang' and Mastering EDM Techniques", a comprehensive course designed to teach you the secrets behind one of Skrillex's most iconic tracks, "Bangarang." Whether you're an aspiring EDM producer, an intermediate music creator, or simply a fan of electronic music, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to create professional-quality tracks inspired by Skrillex's signature sound.

We’ll begin with an introduction to EDM, exploring its history and the pivotal role of Skrillex's "Bangarang" in shaping the genre. You’ll then dive into Skrillex's signature sound, breaking down the unique elements of his production style, including his use of audio samples, synthesizers, and innovative techniques.

From there, we’ll dissect the structure of "Bangarang," highlighting key components such as sound design, percussion, synth arrangements, buildups, and drops. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Skrillex constructs his tracks and how you can replicate this in your own productions.

As the course progresses, you’ll learn the step-by-step production process, starting from ideation to final production, and discover essential sound design techniques such as creating fat basslines, high-pitched leads, and vocal chops. We’ll also cover mixing and mastering, where you’ll learn how to achieve a clean, loud, and professional mix, incorporating techniques like EQ, compression, stereo width, and limiting.

Finally, the course concludes with a summary of all the techniques covered and guidance on applying them to your own music production. You’ll also receive tips for further developing your production skills and creating your unique style in the EDM space.

This course has been thoughtfully crafted using advanced AI tools, including OpenAI's state-of-the-art models and Google Cloud's TTS services, to deliver engaging and accessible content. My name is Shamir George Bhatti, and I am passionate about combining education and technology to empower aspiring producers to create music that stands out. Together, we’ll explore the production secrets behind "Bangarang" and help you master the techniques needed to create your own EDM masterpieces.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Skrillex’s production techniques and the confidence to apply these skills to your own tracks. Join me, Shamir George Bhatti, on this journey to mastering EDM production and creating music that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the history of edm and the impact of skrillex's "bangarang" on the genre.
  • Learn the structure and sound design techniques behind skrillex’s signature style.
  • Master the production process, including mixing and mastering for clean, loud tracks.
  • Apply these techniques to create your own edm productions with confidence.

Syllabus

In this section, we will cover the basics and history of Electronic Dance Music and explore the role of Skrillex's "Bangarang" in shaping the EDM landscape.
Read more

This lecture will trace the origins and development of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) from its early roots in the 1960s and 70s, exploring key genres such as disco, techno, house, and trance. We will examine the cultural and technological innovations that led to the rise of EDM as a genre and its globalization in the 21st century.

In this lecture, we will identify significant artists, tracks, and festivals that have shaped the EDM scene over the decades. From the Chicago house movement to the European rave culture, we will discuss how various genres influenced each other and contributed to the EDM revolution.

This lecture will focus on Skrillex's role in popularizing dubstep and EDM as a whole, with a special emphasis on the track "Bangarang." We will analyze its musical structure, production techniques, and lyrical themes, along with its reception and influence on subsequent artists and the broader EDM community.

In this lecture, we will explore the vibrant community that surrounds EDM, including fans, DJs, producers, and event organizers. We will examine the role of social media, streaming platforms, and festivals in fostering a global EDM culture while discussing the significance of community engagement and identity within this music scene.

This lecture will introduce the key components that define Skrillex's signature sound, including bass drops, aggressive synth lines, and complex rhythms. We'll dissect the auditory elements that distinguish his tracks from others in the EDM genre and explore how these components create an immersive listening experience.

In this lecture, we will delve into Skrillex's innovative use of audio samples, which includes everything from classic video game sounds to real-world recordings. We'll analyze specific tracks to see how he incorporates samples effectively, the creative process behind selecting and manipulating samples, and the ethical considerations of sampling in music production.

This lecture will explore the synthesizers and sound design techniques Skrillex employs to create his unique sound palette. We will look at various synthesizers, both hardware and software, and discuss sound programming strategies he uses to generate distinctive lead sounds and associated effects in his tracks.

Here, we will examine how Skrillex balances rhythm and melody in his productions. This lecture will analyze rhythmic patterns, tempo choices, and melodic structures utilized in his songs. We will also discuss how rhythm influences the energy of a track and the overall danceability, making Skrillex's music suitable for the club scene.

In this lecture, we will break down the overall structure of "Bangarang," identifying its sections such as the intro, verses, breakdowns, and drops. We’ll discuss how Skrillex constructs the flow of the track to maintain listener engagement and the techniques used to transition between different song sections seamlessly.

This lecture will take an in-depth look at the sound design elements in "Bangarang." We will explore the choice of synths and effects that contribute to the track's signature sound, including how Skrillex manipulates various parameters to create an energetic and dynamic listening experience.

Here, we will focus on the percussion elements of "Bangarang," examining the drum patterns, kick placements, and hi-hat variations. We’ll dissect how these rhythmic elements contribute to the intensity of the track and discuss the layering of sounds to create complexity and drive.

This lecture will analyze the techniques Skrillex uses to create impactful buildups leading into the explosive drops of "Bangarang." We will explore the use of dynamic tension, rising melodies, and increasing energy, as well as how the drop operates within the context of the track to deliver a memorable impact on listeners.

This lecture will discuss the initial phases of creating a track like "Bangarang," including concept development and brainstorming ideas. We’ll cover how to identify themes, moods, and sonic elements to guide your production process, along with tools for capturing spontaneous ideas that might lead to an EDM hit.

In this session, we will explore how to create a basic track layout by arranging your musical ideas into a coherent structure. We will cover choosing a tempo, setting up a digital audio workstation (DAW), and laying down foundational elements such as percussion and basslines that will support the rest of the production.

This lecture will focus on sound design techniques used to create impactful synth leads, bass sounds, and effects similar to those found in "Bangarang." We will discuss layering various elements, utilizing different synthesis methods, and techniques for adding depth and interest to your sounds.

In this final lecture of the section, we will discuss the mixing process necessary to refine your track to a professional standard, similar to "Bangarang." We will cover equalization, compression, panning, and the use of effects such as reverb and delay to enhance your mix. Finally, we will touch on rendering and mastering techniques to prepare your track for release.

In this lecture, we will explore the techniques Skrillex employs to create deep, impactful bass sounds that drive his tracks. We will cover the fundamentals of sub-bass synthesis, layering bass sounds, and effective use of distortion and modulation to achieve that signature "fat" effect in your productions.

This lecture will focus on designing high-pitched leads and synth lines commonly used in Skrillex's music. We will break down the process of selecting waveforms, applying modulation techniques, and utilizing filters to sculpt leads that are both catchy and dynamic, drawing from Skrillex’s unique sonic characteristics.

Here, we will examine the art of creating vocal chops, a trademark feature in many of Skrillex's tracks. We’ll explore various methods of sampling, chopping, and manipulating vocal recordings, along with techniques for applying effects such as pitch shifting and time stretching to achieve that distinctive vocal sound.

In this lecture, we will look into crafting atmospheric sounds and textures that add depth to your tracks. We will discuss using ambient pads, soundscapes, and effects that create mood and tension, along with the use of reverb, delay, and stereo width techniques that complement the energetic sound found in Skrillex's productions.

This lecture will introduce the concept of dynamic range in music and its critical role in achieving a balanced mix. We'll discuss how to maintain the appropriate dynamic range to ensure clarity and impact in your track, ensuring that loud elements are powerful without overwhelming the overall sound.

In this session, we will explore the fundamentals of equalization (EQ) and its application in mixing. We’ll cover techniques for cutting unnecessary frequencies, boosting desirable ranges, and ensuring that each element of your track occupies its own sonic space, contributing to a clean and professional mix akin to “Bangarang.”

This lecture will focus on the use of compression to control dynamic elements in your mix while maintaining energy. We will analyze various types of compression (including sidechain techniques) that can help you create punchy drums and cohesive instrumentation, enhancing the overall loudness and clarity without sacrificing quality.

In this final lecture of the section, we will delve into the mastering process, focusing on techniques to achieve a loud, polished final product. We will discuss the use of limiters, multi-band compression, and overall loudness strategies while emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of your mix in the process. We will explore how to prepare your track for distribution in various formats, ensuring it sounds great across listening platforms.

In this lecture, we will summarize the key concepts and techniques covered throughout the course, including the evolution of EDM, sound design principles, arrangement strategies, and mixing and mastering essentials. This recap will serve as a foundation for applying these insights in your own projects and solidifying your understanding of Skrillex's methodologies.

Here, we will discuss practical steps for integrating the techniques learned in this course into your own music production workflow. We’ll explore how to develop personal sound palettes, refine your unique style, and effectively implement sound design and mixing techniques to create high-quality EDM tracks that resonate with your artistic vision.

This lecture will provide valuable tips for further developing your music production skills. We will discuss the importance of practice, seeking feedback, collaborating with others, and continuing education resources such as online courses, communities, and production tutorials that can help you hone your craft beyond this course.

In this concluding lecture, we will discuss the mindset and approach necessary for success as a music producer. We’ll talk about the value of perseverance, creativity, and exploration in the music-making process. We will encourage you to embrace your unique journey in music production, keep experimenting, and confidently share your artistic voice with the world.

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Producing Like Skrillex: Mastering EDM Techniques. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Producing Like Skrillex: Mastering EDM Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Producer
An aspiring Music Producer will find this course to be an instrumental guide in their journey. This comprehensive program, focusing on "Producing Like Skrillex," covers the entire production pipeline, from initial ideation to final mastering, especially within the electronic dance music genre. You will learn to apply advanced sound design techniques for creating signature basslines, high-pitched leads, and unique vocal chops, inspired by 'Bangarang.' Mastering mixing and mastering principles, including EQ, compression, and limiting, ensures your tracks are clean, loud, and ready for release. This deep dive into an iconic producer's methods provides a concrete framework for developing your unique artistic voice, making this course an unparalleled entry point into professional music production.
Electronic Music Artist
An Electronic Music Artist conceives, creates, and performs original musical works within the electronic genres. This course, "Producing Like Skrillex," is perfectly tailored for individuals aspiring to become successful electronic music artists. It equips you with a profound understanding of EDM history, Skrillex's groundbreaking sound design, and the step-by-step process from ideation to final production. You will master creating your own tracks, developing distinctive basslines, leads, and vocal manipulations, and learning to mix and master to professional standards. This comprehensive curriculum not only teaches technical skills but also inspires you to cultivate your unique artistic vision within the vibrant EDM landscape.
Sound Designer
As a Sound Designer, you craft sonic experiences for various media, from music to games and film. This course in "Producing Like Skrillex" is exceptionally relevant, as it delves deep into creating distinctive audio elements, such as fat basslines, impactful leads, and unique vocal chops. You will explore advanced synthesis techniques, manipulation of audio samples, and the art of shaping atmospheric sounds that add depth and texture to any production. The detailed analysis of Skrillex's unique sound palette and arrangement methods offers a robust foundation in sonic alchemy, helping you develop a keen ear and technical mastery crucial for a successful sound designer career.
Synthesizer Programmer
A Synthesizer Programmer specializes in crafting unique sounds and sonic textures using synthesizers, often for music production, film scoring, or sound libraries. This course explicitly explores the synthesizers and sound design techniques Skrillex employs to create his unique sound palette, including generating distinctive lead sounds and associated effects. You will delve into selecting waveforms, applying modulation techniques, and utilizing filters to sculpt bass, leads, and atmospheric sounds. This in-depth focus on foundational synthesis and sound manipulation, directly inspired by a genre innovator and the creation of iconic tracks, makes this course exceptionally relevant for an aspiring synthesizer programmer.
Music Educator Instructor
A Music Educator Instructor teaches various aspects of music, theory, performance, or production to students of all levels. For an individual aspiring to become a Music Educator Instructor specializing in contemporary music production, particularly electronic dance music, this course is highly relevant. It provides a structured breakdown of EDM history, iconic production techniques, sound design principles, and the entire mixing and mastering process. Mastering the methodologies behind "Bangarang" equips you to teach advanced topics, guide aspiring producers, and foster creative development, making you a knowledgeable and inspiring mentor in the field. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
Mixing Engineer
A Mixing Engineer meticulously balances and enhances individual audio tracks within a musical piece to create a cohesive and impactful final sound. This course provides comprehensive training in achieving professional-quality mixes, drawing directly from the techniques used to create "Bangarang." You will learn crucial concepts like dynamic range, equalization, compression (including sidechain techniques), and stereo width, understanding how to apply them to ensure clarity, separation, and energy in your productions. The focus on making tracks clean and loud, while maintaining musicality, offers practical, hands-on knowledge vital for anyone aspiring to excel as a mixing engineer in today's competitive audio landscape.
Mastering Engineer
The Mastering Engineer is the final sonic gatekeeper, ensuring a track is optimized for distribution across all listening platforms, achieving commercial loudness and sonic balance. This course, "Producing Like Skrillex," concludes with an in-depth exploration of mastering techniques, including the use of limiters, multi-band compression, and overall loudness strategies. You will understand how to preserve the integrity of a mix and prepare it for release in various formats, a critical skill for any mastering engineer. This specialized knowledge, directly applied to iconic EDM tracks, provides a robust understanding of the final crucial stage of audio production that ensures your music resonates with listeners worldwide.
Digital Audio Workstation Specialist
A Digital Audio Workstation Specialist possesses expert knowledge of DAW software, helping others optimize their setup, troubleshoot issues, and maximize their creative workflow in music production. This course, "Producing Like Skrillex," implicitly involves extensive use and understanding of a DAW, as it covers the step-by-step production process from ideation to final mixing and mastering. You will learn how to arrange musical ideas, lay down foundational elements, and apply advanced sound design and audio engineering techniques within a DAW environment, equipping you with the practical expertise needed to guide users and optimize performance for complex productions and creative endeavors.
Music Technology Specialist
A Music Technology Specialist works with the hardware and software used in music creation, recording, and performance, often providing technical support, training, or product development insights. This course, "Producing Like Skrillex," immerses learners in the practical application of synthesizers, digital audio workstations, and various audio processing tools for sound design, mixing, and mastering. Understanding the specific techniques employed for genre-defining tracks like "Bangarang" gives you invaluable insight into user needs, workflow optimization, and the technical intricacies of modern music production tools, making you an exceptionally informed and effective music technology specialist.
Game Audio Designer
A Game Audio Designer creates and implements all sonic elements for video games, including music, sound effects, and voiceovers. The intricate sound design techniques explored in "Producing Like Skrillex," such as crafting fat basslines, impactful leads, and manipulating vocal samples, are directly applicable to creating compelling game sound effects and musical cues. You will learn to generate unique sonic textures, understand how to build dynamic tension (like "Bangarang"'s buildups), and master audio mixing principles, all crucial for an immersive gaming experience. This course helps develop the technical and creative ear essential for a successful game audio designer.
Post Production Audio Engineer
A Post Production Audio Engineer is responsible for all sound elements after initial recording for film, television, or other visual media, including editing, mixing dialogue, sound effects, and music. While focused on EDM, this course provides a robust foundation in essential audio engineering principles like dynamic range, equalization, compression, and stereo width, all critical for a post production audio engineer. Learning to create a clean, loud, and impactful final mix, mirroring "Bangarang"'s quality, helps develop precision and expertise in sound balancing and enhancement, equipping you with versatile skills applicable across diverse media projects and elevating the final artistic product.
Audio Editor
An Audio Editor refines and manipulates recorded sound to achieve a polished, coherent, and impactful final product for various media, including music, podcasts, and video. The meticulous breakdown of audio samples, vocal chops, and the precise application of effects like EQ and compression in "Producing Like Skrillex" directly translates into essential skills for an audio editor. You will gain proficiency in dissecting complex soundscapes, identifying areas for improvement, and applying technical adjustments to enhance clarity and presence. This detailed approach to audio manipulation will help build a foundation for a career focused on the precise art of audio editing in any auditory field.
Composer for Media
A Composer for Media creates original musical scores and soundscapes for films, television shows, advertisements, and other visual content. While this course focuses on EDM, the principles of arrangement, sound design, and building dynamic tension and release, as expertly demonstrated in "Bangarang," are highly transferable. You will gain a deep understanding of how to craft impactful sonic elements, sculpt specific moods through synthesis and sampling, and arrange musical components to tell a story or evoke emotion. The mixing and mastering skills learned will also prove invaluable in delivering polished, professional-quality audio for any media project, making this course a unique asset for a modern composer.
DJ Performer
A DJ Performer selects and plays recorded music for an audience, often blending tracks seamlessly and creating a dynamic live experience. While this course does not directly teach DJing, an understanding of "Producing Like Skrillex" is incredibly helpful for a DJ performer. It provides deep insight into track structure, particularly buildups and drops, and the intricate sound design behind electronic dance music. Knowing how tracks are constructed, mixed, and mastered allows you to select, program, and even creatively manipulate music with greater sophistication and impact during a performance, giving you a distinct edge in curating unforgettable sets that resonate with your audience.
Artist Manager
An Artist Manager guides the career of musical artists, overseeing their branding, business dealings, and creative direction. While not a direct production role, this course, "Producing Like Skrillex," may be useful for an artist manager. Understanding the intricacies of EDM production, sound design, and the mixing and mastering process allows you to intelligently discuss creative direction with artists and producers. This knowledge helps in evaluating musical quality, identifying potential collaborators, and understanding the technical demands of bringing an artist's vision to fruition, providing a distinct advantage in navigating the contemporary music industry and fostering talent.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Practical guide to sound design for film, TV, and games, providing step-by-step instructions on how to create professional-quality sound effects, dialogue, and music.
Takes a conceptual approach to sound design, exploring the creative and technical processes involved in creating sound for film, TV, and other media.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sound design for film, games, and animation, covering everything from the basics of sound recording and editing to the creative use of sound effects to create specific moods and atmospheres.
Practical guide to sound design for independent film, providing step-by-step instructions on how to create professional-quality sound effects, dialogue, and music on a budget.
A comprehensive guide focusing on the practical aspects of creating sound effects. covers everything from field recording techniques to studio equipment and provides numerous tips and tricks. It's an excellent resource for those looking to develop hands-on skills in sound effect production and is often used as a reference.
Delves into the principles of procedural audio and the creation of sound using programming and synthesis. While not for absolute beginners, it offers a deep dive into the technical aspects of sound design and is highly relevant for those interested in generative audio and interactive sound. It can serve as a valuable reference for advanced students and professionals.
While focused on mixing, this book is crucial for sound designers as mixing is an integral part of the sound design process. It covers fundamental concepts to advanced techniques in audio mixing and widely respected resource in the audio industry. The latest editions incorporate contemporary topics like loudness standards and immersive audio.
A definitive guide to the technical and artistic aspects of audio mastering. While not strictly sound design, understanding mastering is vital for sound designers to ensure their work translates well to final delivery formats. is considered a standard reference in the audio industry.
An edited collection of seminal articles in the field of computer music. provides historical context and foundational knowledge on various aspects of computer sound synthesis and processing. It's a key resource for understanding the origins and technical basis of digital sound design.
Written by a veteran sound professional, this book offers practical guidance on the entire process of film sound production, from pre-production to the final mix. It provides valuable real-world insights and is considered essential reading for those pursuing a career in film sound.
A seminal theoretical work on the relationship between sound and image in cinema. Chion introduces key concepts like 'added value' and explores how sound shapes our perception of the visual. is crucial for developing a deeper, more analytical understanding of sound design in audiovisual media and is considered a classic.
Provides an in-depth look at the art and techniques of Foley, the process of creating and recording everyday sounds for film, games, and animation. It's a practical guide for aspiring Foley artists and sound designers interested in this specialized area.
Offers a broad overview of sound and music in video games, covering historical context, theoretical concepts, and practical approaches. It's a good starting point for those new to game audio and provides a solid foundation for further study.
A detailed guide focusing specifically on the crucial skill of dialogue editing in film. covers the techniques and workflows necessary to create seamless and impactful dialogue tracks. It valuable resource for anyone specializing in post-production sound.
Explores the intersection of music, cognitive science, and computer sound. It delves into how we perceive and process sound and music, offering insights that can inform creative sound design choices. It's a more academic text, suitable for those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of sound and perception.
Offers a broad introduction to the principles and practices of audio production and postproduction. It covers a range of topics relevant to sound design, including recording, editing, and mixing, making it a good resource for beginners seeking a general overview.
A widely used textbook covering the fundamentals of sound and music recording. While not solely focused on sound design, it provides essential knowledge of recording techniques, microphones, and signal processing, which are foundational skills for sound designers. The latest editions are updated with modern technologies.
Provides a foundational understanding of sound design principles, particularly within the context of film. It explores how music, dialogue, and sound effects work together to create emotional impact and enhance storytelling. It's a valuable resource for beginners and offers a good overview of the artistic aspects of sound design.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser